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Here it is, David Brehaut’s top 20 of the Ballarat Football League for 2017. It includes some of the biggest names to play in the league for years. Have a flick through below and see what you think. Feel free to share your thoughts via our Facebook page.

Here it is, David Brehaut’s top 20 of the Ballarat Football League for 2017.

It includes some of the biggest names to play in the league for years.

Have a flick through below and see what you think.

Feel free to share your thoughts via our <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ballaratcouriersport/?fref=nf">Facebook page.</a></b>

1. LIAM HOY
(Redan)
Steps up for his first full season in the BFL after shortened campaign last year. Outstanding defender proven at VFL level who looks in top shape and could easily be used as a power midfielder. Ranked 16 at end of 2016.

2. NICK PETERS
(Lake Wendouree) 
Overcame injury and suspension early last season to be the Lakers' on-ball playmaker. Tough as nails and extremely hard to match up on. Class all the way. Ranked 1 at end of 2016.

3. DANIEL BURTON
(Bacchus Marsh)
Was a stand-out player in the Cobras' first BFL premiership as the competition's number one ruckman. Dominates ruck duels, but even more effective around the ground. Ranked 3 at end of 2016.

4. STEVE CLIFTON 
(Lake Wendouree)
No doubting the former GWS Giants' class. Directs traffic through the midfield and on-ball for Lakers, while at the same time deflecting the close attention he always attracts. Match-winner. Ranked 6 at end of 2016.

5. MARK LYNCH
(Melton South)
Among a string of top class recruits for the Panthers and into the BFL, and by all reports the best of the lot for Melton South. Being a three-time Essendon District Football League premier division best and fairest speaks volumes for his ability.

6. JARRAH MAKSYMOW
(Bacchus Marsh)
Had a stunning season after being a late signing in 2016. Power forward with a booming kick and ability to turn a game off his own boot. Almost unstoppable when he runs hot. Ranked 11 at end of 2016.

7. ALIK MAGIN 
(Sunbury)
Silky smooth small on-baller. A revelation for the Lions on his arrival last season, but the former listed Gold Coast Sun is likely to find it tougher in a weakened Sunbury line-up. Ranked 2 at end of 2016.

8. BRENDAN FEVOLA
(Melton South)
Huge expectations on the champion goalkicker and crowds will flock to see him wherever he plays. Not going to be easy team to match up on the Panther spearhead, who is being tipped to top 100 goals. 

9. SCOTT SHERLOCK
(Bacchus Marsh)
The Cobras cannot speak highly enough of the recruit from Werribee Tigers in VFL. Super smart player and excellent leader. If the reigning premier is to step up even further he potentially holds the key.

10. NICK KOMMER
(Melton South)
One of a few newcomers for the Panthers who fall into the "boom recruit" category. Straight off Essendon's AFL list so there can be no question he will be huge on-ball or forward with his pace and ballgetting ability.

11. BRIAN GRAHAM
(Darley)
Three-time North Gippsland league best and fairest who can play on-ball or forward. Made immediate impact in the Western Region last season, representing it against the BFL and lining up for Vic Metro.

12. DERICK MICALLEF 
(North Ballarat City)
Creative forward and one of the BFL's most exciting players. Capable of changing a game off his own foot or through his creativity and ability to bring others into a game. Ranked 5 at end of 2016.

13. BRETT GOODES
(Sebastopol)
Arrived at the Burra from the Western Bulldogs last year and was a great asset. Plays a role of teacher on the field and leads by example. Tough and strong on and off the ball.  Ranked 8 at end of 2016.

14. HEATH SCOTLAND 
(Darley)
Hard to imagine the veteran not having a big on-field say. Mixes his smooth approach on the ball with a hard edge and as a likely impact player will need to watched as part of a deep midfield at Darley Park.

15. TAYTE PEARS
(Melton South)
Arrives from Essendon after a year out of football, but expecting him to be a massive headache for rivals at potentially at each end of the ground. Another Panther who is going to be difficult to stop.

16. GUS GRIGG
(Melton)
Joins the Bloods as a proven key forward goalkicker in top level competitions. Will undoubtedly be a key target in attack and type of player who only needs to get a few touches within range to be a threat.

17. NATHAN HORBURY
(Redan)
Highly versatile ball magnet. Can play at either end or onball and Redan's toughest task will be deciding where it can get the best out of him given his many attributes. Ranked 10 at end of 2016.

18. DAVID KOVACEVIC
(Sunbury)
One of the best big men in the competition last year, who had a big say in getting the Lions into a grand final. A man mountain, making him tough to match up on in the ruck. Ranked 14 at end of 2016.

19. SHANE HUTCHINSON
(Ballarat)
Consistently a big possessiongetter and rarely wastes a possession. Will find it tough in a young team, but will still repeatedly find himself where the ball is. Ranked 15 at end of 2016.

20. BEN TAYLOR
(Lake Wendouree)
Last season's Henderson Medalist, but just squeezes in given the wealth of new talent which has arrived in the BFL. Knows how to be in the right place at the right time. Ranked 12 at end of 2016.

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David Brehaut’s BFL top 20 for 2017

Here it is, one of the strongest top 20's we've had in some time.

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